It may not be mentioned as much as benefits like health insurance and paid time off, but many employers will cover the cost of professional development for their employees. An employee’s skill set improves with additional training and learning opportunities, so when employers encourage employees to participate in professional development opportunities, it’s a win–win situation.
The 2021 IT Skills and Salary Report by Global Knowledge reports that 39% of IT decision makers face challenges with talent recruitment and retention, and 35% want to develop stronger teams. Earning new IT certifications can prove to your employer that you are dedicated to being the best team member and best IT pro you can be, easing this challenge that they currently face.
Why it’s Important to Request More Training
One of the major appeals to having a career in tech is potentially bypassing a four-year degree. By earning IT certifications – typically in a much quicker manner than it takes to earn a degree – IT pros demonstrate they have the knowledge and skills to perform in various tech roles. For those with ambitions in the IT industry, certifications can be more desirable than any post-graduate degree.
Aspiring tech professionals are in luck! According to recent CompTIA research about workforce and learning trends, employers are not prioritizing candidates who have four-year degrees for several reasons. For example, they reported having confidence that candidates can be successful without a degree and that skills and performance on the job are more important than a degree.
Though they are much more affordable than a college course, certifications are not exactly cheap – especially if you’re supporting a family or are in the midst of a career change. But to be at the top of your tech game, you’ll need to improve your professional learning sooner rather than later.
IT pros can accomplish this without breaking the bank by requesting that their organization support their IT certification endeavors financially.
CompTIA Offers Both Training and Certifications
CompTIA has formed a one-stop shop for IT pros to study for and earn their certifications. Whether it’s online training or in-person training courses, CompTIA has options that fit several different learning types and schedules. And because our official training is developed with our exams in mind, you can expect high-quality learning materials.
CompTIA IT certifications have a long-standing history of being the credentials that prove to employers you have the IT skills they are looking for.
Here are 5 ways CompTIA can help you get into IT and advance your IT career.
How to Get Your Boss to Pay for Your IT Certification
Let’s be clear – we do not recommend strolling into your manager’s office and demanding they pay for your certification voucher. In contrast, approaching your manager timidly or waiting for them to extend the offer probably won’t work either.
Being direct, professional and supporting your argument with research and facts is the best way to gain your manager’s support in your IT certification journey.
Research by Global Knowledge shows the positive impact certifications have for IT professionals, and in turn, their organizations. Check out some of these stats:
- 49% of IT pros saw an improvement in the quality of their work after earning a certification
- 32% are more engaged in their work after earning a certification
- 50% of all IT decision-makers believe that certifications close organizational skills gaps
Just because your employer is paying the bill doesn’t mean they don’t also want to save money.
Here are 6 ways that you – or your employer – can get a discount on CompTIA exam vouchers.
How to Write a Training Request Letter
You know you want to earn a new IT certification, and you’re ready to bring the idea up to your manager. Writing a formal request letter to your manager informing them about the benefits of a CompTIA certification and why you’d like to attend a training is a great way to start the conversation and position your ask.
Here are a few questions your letter should answer:
- How does the certification match your job responsibilities, or the responsibilities of a job you want?
- How much does it cost, and do you want your employer to pay for some or all of it?
- When will you study – on your own time or during work hours?
- How will you measure success?
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